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Wednesday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Legislature pushes tax cuts for utilities, dialed-back relief for average Floridians
Lawmakers are proposing cutting taxes for utilities and businesses. But they’re pitching fewer tax breaks this year for everyday consumers, including for Floridians experiencing sky-high property insurance premiums. With legislative leaders warning about federal pandemic money drying up, they’re proposing fewer sales tax holidays and not renewing tax breaks on gas stoves and Energy Star appliances. More from the Tampa Bay Times and the Miami Herald.
Osceola County sees another dip in tourist tax funds
Following a record-breaking year, Osceola County’s tourism development tax funds have slowed in recent months, a trend that is expected to continue. TDT funds were 5% below the previous year in November, at $6.1 million, and down 4% year-over-year in December, to $7.1 million. Despite the dip in funds, collections are still on the second-highest pace in the county’s history as it closes its first quarter, according to Experience Kissimmee, the county’s tourism authority. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Coca-Cola to close Pinellas County plant, lay off 200 people
For the third time since Feb. 5, a manufacturer in Florida has announced it is closing a local plant and will lay off employees. This time, it is Coca-Cola North America that's letting people go, saying it will shut down its manufacturing facility in Pinellas County and cut 198 employees. More from the Business Observer.
Orlando Uber and Lyft drivers to join nationwide Valentine’s Day strike
About 100 drivers for Uber, Lyft and other app-based gig services are going on strike Wednesday in Orlando, joining numerous others in cities across the country protesting what they call “poverty wages,” fears of being unfairly deactivated from the app and unsafe working conditions. The nationwide Valentine’s Day work stoppages could hamper travel for some – though representatives of Uber and Lyft say previous strikes have had minimal impacts on wait times and ride prices. Many drivers in Orlando and elsewhere are expected to continue working despite the Wednesday job action. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Miami Beach powers up to shut down Spring Break
Miami Beach is clamping down to shut down spring break. The city, known for attracting visitors from around the globe, is targeting the March college break to avoid the violence and disorder of past springs. “The measures I proposed approved by our commission will ensure that our residents, businesses, and visitors are safe and thrive during spring break,” said Mayor Steven Meiner in a city release. More from Miami Today.
Florida History
The Miami boat show used to look like that? See pictures from 1950s through the ’80s
It’s boat show time again in Miami. The majestic yachts. The sporty sailboats. The lightning-quick go-fasts. But first, let’s go back in time to see the earlier days of the boat show. What did it all look like back then?
» More from the Miami Herald.
Profile
Jose Navia: Problem solver
As a kid in Argentina, Jose Navia recalls, he liked finding ways to fix broken things around the house. He also was exposed to the world of medicine. His mother was a midwife. His uncle was a cardiac surgeon. Given his background, it’s not surprising that Navia grew up to be not only a heart surgeon but also an inventor. He has 35 patents to his name and Cleveland Clinic has spun off two companies from his patents. “Innovation is part of my life,” he says. “I couldn’t see myself just doing surgery.”
» Read more from Florida Trend.
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